New to steno? Use this glossary to understand the terms you will hear in class, see in software, and encounter when choosing a writer. Explore the basics, writing shortcuts, realtime tools, and the people who use steno every day.
This guide focuses on English-language machine stenography. Exact strokes, shortcuts, and software features vary by theory and system.
01 The basics
How stenography works
Start with the words you will hear in your first lesson.
Stenography (steno)A shorthand method of recording words. In machine stenography, a writer uses key combinations to represent sounds, words, and phrases quickly.
Steno writer / stenotype machineThe machine used to write steno. Its keyboard lets you press several keys together. In steno conversations, “writer” often means the machine itself.
ChordA combination of keys pressed together. Think of playing several piano keys at once, with the combination representing steno rather than a musical chord.
StrokeOne recorded steno input, made by pressing and releasing a key or combination of keys. A stroke can represent a sound, word, phrase, or command.
OutlineThe stroke or sequence of strokes used to represent a word, phrase, or word part. One outline may contain one stroke or several strokes.
Steno theoryThe system of rules you learn for representing language with steno strokes. Different theories use different combinations and shortcuts; follow the theory your program teaches.
Phonetic writingWriting based on how words sound. Steno is largely sound-based, but theories also use spelling distinctions, abbreviations, and other conventions.
These terms describe how you write and what happens when a stroke goes wrong.
Steno orderThe fixed order in which keys are read within a stroke. Standard English steno notation follows STKPWHRAO*EUFRPBLGTSDZ. This is a reading order, not a picture of the keyboard.
BriefA memorized shortcut outline for a word or phrase. A brief reduces the writing needed and is not necessarily limited to one stroke.
Phrase / phrasingWriting several words with a combined outline. The exact phrase strokes depend on your theory and dictionary.
Write outWrite a word using your theory’s regular rules instead of a memorized brief. This helps when you do not know or cannot recall a shortcut.
FingerspellingUsing steno combinations to produce individual letters. It is useful for unfamiliar names, initials, and unusual spellings; the combinations vary by theory.
Number barA bar or key used with designated letter keys to write digits. Some writers and theories also offer other ways to write numbers.
Asterisk (*)A steno key used for functions such as correcting a previous stroke or distinguishing outlines. Its exact use depends on your theory, dictionary, and software.
MisstrokeA stroke that differs from the one you intended to write, such as pressing an extra key or leaving out a key.
StackingTwo intended strokes being recorded as one. Writing technique and writer settings can affect stacking; it is different from intentionally combining words into a phrase.
Your strokes and your software dictionary work together to produce the words on screen.
CAT softwareComputer-aided transcription software. It translates steno notes into text and provides tools for editing and preparing transcripts. You may also hear CAT expanded as “computer-aided translation.”
RealtimeTranslation of steno into readable text as the stenographer writes. It allows people to follow the words on a screen while speech is happening.
Steno dictionaryA collection of entries that connects steno outlines to words, phrases, punctuation, or software actions. It is a translation resource, rather than a book of word definitions.
Personal dictionaryYour main collection of steno definitions, reflecting your theory, vocabulary, and writing habits. Writers update it as they learn and encounter new material.
Job dictionaryA dictionary for a particular assignment, often containing names, organizations, and specialized vocabulary needed for that job.
ConflictAn outline associated with more than one possible translation. Resolving conflicts may involve changing an outline, editing dictionary entries, or using software settings.
UntranslateSteno that remains untranslated instead of appearing as readable words. A missing dictionary entry is one common cause.
MistranslateText that translates into the wrong word or phrase. Unlike an untranslate, it may look like ordinary English even though it does not match what was intended.
PloverFree, open-source stenography software from the Open Steno community. It translates steno into text that can be entered in other computer applications.
Steno skills support legal records, live captions, and communication access.
Court reporterA trained professional who captures spoken proceedings and prepares a verbatim written record. A stenographic court reporter uses a steno writer to capture the words.
Official reporterA court reporter who works within the court system to record courtroom proceedings and prepare transcripts.
Freelance reporterA court reporter hired for assignments such as depositions, arbitrations, hearings, or meetings. Freelance reporters may work independently or through a reporting firm.
DepositionA witness’s testimony under oath taken outside the courtroom. A court reporter commonly records it and prepares a transcript.
TranscriptA written record of spoken proceedings. A finished legal transcript is prepared and checked separately from a live realtime feed.
ReadbackReading captured words aloud from steno notes, either to review your writing or to repeat part of proceedings on request.
ScopistA transcript editor who compares a reporter’s steno notes with translated text to find and correct translation errors. Audio may also be used in the editing process.
ProofreaderA person who reviews transcript text for remaining spelling, punctuation, formatting, and other errors.
Captioning / broadcast captioningProviding text for viewers to read alongside speech. Stenographic captioners create realtime captions for live television, online programming, and other events.
CARTCommunication Access Realtime Translation. A service that displays speech as text to support communication access, including for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, in classes, meetings, and other settings.
These words come up when comparing machines or adjusting how the keys feel.
Student writerA steno machine intended for training. Its storage, dictionary capacity, and other features may differ from a professional model. Match the writer to your program’s requirements.
Professional writerA steno machine intended for working reporters or captioners. Recording, storage, backup, and connection features vary by model.
Realtime connectionThe link that sends strokes from a writer to a computer as you write. It may use USB, serial, or a supported wireless connection; compatibility depends on the machine and software.
Depth of strokeHow far a writer’s keys travel when pressed. Also called key depth or stroke depth; adjustment options depend on the model.
Key tensionHow soft or firm the keys feel when pressed. This affects the effort needed to depress them.
Key sensitivityHow readily a key registers a press. It is different from key tension and travel depth; some writers allow sensitivity to be adjusted for individual keys.
Get familiar with practice material, speed measurements, and common professional credentials.
DictationSpoken material you listen to and write in steno for practice or testing. It may be recorded or delivered live.
SpeedbuildingPractice aimed at writing spoken material at increasing speeds while maintaining accuracy. It builds on the theory you have already learned.
WPMWords per minute. A measure of the speed of spoken practice or test material. It is different from strokes per minute because a stroke can represent more than one word.
Q&A / testimonyQuestion-and-answer material, often involving an attorney and a witness. In practice and testing, it helps you learn to follow changes between speakers.
LiteraryContinuous spoken prose, such as a speech or passage, commonly used as a category of steno practice and testing.
Jury chargeA judge’s instructions to a jury. In steno training and testing, the term also describes practice material based on that style of speech.
NCRANational Court Reporters Association. A professional association that provides education, resources, and certifications for court reporters and captioners.
RPRRegistered Professional Reporter. NCRA’s foundational certification for stenographic court reporters.
RMRRegistered Merit Reporter. An advanced NCRA skills certification for court reporters.
CRRCertified Realtime Reporter. An NCRA certification demonstrating proficiency in realtime reporting.
CRCCertified Realtime Captioner. An NCRA certification for stenographic broadcast and CART captioners.
A live realtime feed is useful for following speech, but it is not automatically the finished, certified legal transcript. The reporter prepares and checks the final transcript separately. Read NCRA’s explanation of realtime reporting.
Ready for your next step?
Explore study materials or compare student writers. Before choosing equipment, confirm your program’s requirements for theory, software, and connections. Tell StenoWorks about your program and budget so we can help you compare suitable options.
